The National tribune., 1887-01-27
MOTHER ANNA B. KERR
Nn, Enrrntten br q soldier Of ths soth OHIO.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: would like
space in your paper to mention the name of
another army heroine who has been sadly
neglected. refer to Mother Anna Il. Kerr"
an old army nurse, whom many Of the boys of
the SOth Ohio, 10th and 18th Iowa, 10th No.,
and 56th Ill. will always remember for the
motherly care and courageous manner exhib-
tied in performing her duties, in ministering
to their wants, and dressing their wounds on
the battlefelds of Corinth and Iuka, Miss.
Her tender care brought relief and recovery to
many sick and wounded comrade of these
commands as they will testify should this no.
tice reach them. The writer knows Of the
humane deeds this lady performed at field
hospitals during the trying scenes of the rebel
lion. She went into service with the S0th Ohio
in 1861, and served actively and faithfully up
to near the Vicksburg campaign. In past
issues Of The NATIONAL TRIBUNE / have
seen accounts of female nurses doing great good
at general hospitals at Washington and other
cities. While it is true, and those devoted
ladies should receive due credit, yet, sir, their
duties comparatively were in proportion to
Mother Kerr's" experience and hardships as
that of gnat to an elephant. When the forces
Of the rebel Gen. Van Dorm dashed into Holly
Springs, Miss, in the rear OF Grants army
capturing and destroying all supplies, this old
lady was among TIE captured and was pris-
oner, and lost her clothing and other effects.
These scenes are only mentioned to show that
Mother Kerr's record contains more genuine
soldier service than many who have been draw
ing pensions since the close of the war. She is
now 70 years Of age, is feeble in health, and
depends on the charity of others. She is GER
tainly worthy of the aid of the Woman's Relief
Corps and the influence of the GAR. The old
lady is of modest and retiring disposition,
hence her condition was not known until re-
Gently. Evidence has been forwarded to Con-
gresham Wilkins, of the 10th Ohio District !;
also, requests made of Col. Cooper and the true,
sterling champion Of the soldiers interests, Gen.
Logan, to aid to secure q pension. These
methods were brought to bear through the
noble women at the head of the w. r. G. of
Ohio, namely, Kate B. Sherwood; Mrs. Sarah
E. Battels, present Department President Of
Ohio; Mrs. Mary Z. Bancroft, of Columbus,
and Mrs. MeIutire, of Mt. Vernon, o. The
writer feels like critieizing the action of the
National Encampment at San Francisco; also,
! the G. A. Il. committee, when not one word or
mention is made in the report of proceedings
| recommending pensions for these worthy (but
now small in number) female army nurses
| The writer will stake his life upon the asser-
| ton that should the rank and file of those
who saw "true blue" service from 1851
to '65 be eanvassed for their views ON this
| issue, that their opinions would be unani-
nous in favor Of pensions for these heroic
women. Life is but short to most of them
now but it is not too late for our National
Legislature TO right the wrong for the remain
| ing few. VIII they do it? Respectfully
HIGH PRIVATE, Goth Ohio, Coshocton, o., Dec
i Is, 1886